Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to equip learners with advanced intellectual, practical and research skills and competencies in a chosen theme of Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a subject, in order to function with confidence in complex and ill-defined problem areas within the realms of health, geography, governance, science and technology, agriculture and the social sciences. On completion of the study, learners will be able to engage in independent research, with the ability to (i) select appropriately from a range of appropriate research designs, technologies, methods and techniques, (ii) produce and communicate the research findings, and, (iii) effectively, critically and systematically access, analyse, process, transform and evaluate existing knowledge critically in order to achieve an integrated synthesis in the research field of choice.

This qualification will also give access to continuation of learning, namely a Doctorate of Indigenous Knowledge Systems at NQF Level 10, or other related fields at the same NQF Level.

This qualification will equip learners with the necessary advanced expertise, knowledge and research skills to function effectively as leaders in the environment where indigenous knowledge systems have an impact, since it will include:

• Knowledge of the political imperatives flowing from the interface of indigenous knowledge systems with other knowledge systems regionally, continentally and globally, to ensure the integration of communities.
• Plans of action for developing science and technology, which are in line with the policies of Government, SADC (South African Development Community) and NEPAD (New Partnership for Africa's Development).
• Plans of action to position South Africa as a continental leader in the promotion of indigenous knowledge systems for sustainable development.
• Development of the skills and tools needed to engage more effectively with local communities based on their knowledge systems.

Rationale

The Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems is a new qualification that represents a paradigm shift in knowledge generation. It is a multi-disciplinary qualification, which has been designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge, skills and values relevant to indigenous knowledge systems. This advanced qualification will enable learners to pursue careers as practitioners in various fields and contexts.

As a field of study, Indigenous Knowledge Systems qualification encompasses a broad spectrum of themes and inter-disciplinary areas. It is therefore essential that the qualification should enable learners to acquire not only advanced skills, competencies, knowledge and values relevant to the field itself, but also a relative degree of independent thinking in some of the inter-disciplinary fields, such as Health, Geography, Governance, Science and Technology, Agriculture and the Social Sciences.

Learners with this qualification can play a major role in addressing the many needs of the South African society by providing a different paradigm and perspective for meaningful engagement with issues in the realms of science, economics, governance, leadership and sustainable development. Dynamic and professionally sound leadership is vital within these sectors if Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a discipline is to impact positively on the social needs and sustainable transformation.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The structure of this qualification makes the recognition of prior learning for the purposes of either access or credit recognition possible. Firstly, a learner may be admitted to the qualification based on an evaluation of previous knowledge gained through work experience or other educational qualifications. Secondly, this qualification may also be achieved in part through the recognition of prior learning, which includes formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. In both instances, the learner will be assessed in accordance with the university's RPL policy and the faculty's processes for gaining admission to a qualification or recognition of credits.

In the instance of credit recognition for this qualification, leaners are expected to provide evidence by means of portfolios or other forms of appropriate evidence, that prior learning is consonant with aspects of the knowledge and skills as are described in the outcomes of this qualification. The learner should be able to demonstrate competence of knowledge, skills, values and attitudes implicit in this qualification, the appropriate percentage of credits will be assigned to the student and used to achieve accelerated access to this NQF Level.

Entry Requirements

Candidates who apply for the Master of Indigenous Knowledge Systems should be in possession of one of the following

• A four-year Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
• A Bachelor Honours Degree in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
• A Postgraduate Diploma in Indigenous Knowledge Systems.
• An appropriate qualification on NQF Level 8 in any related discipline.

This qualification consists of one compulsory module in a form of a dissertation.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

1. Demonstrate an advanced, systematic and specialist knowledge, understanding and skills of appropriate ethically-based research methods and techniques necessary for identifying, formulating and researching a complex real-world problem in the domain of indigenous knowledge systems, and communicating and defending, orally and in writing, substantial ideas.
2. Communicate a critical literature survey relevant to the chosen research problem, and to apply appropriate theories to identify and analyse the problem and to draw valid, reliable and relevant conclusions from different sources.
3. Communicate the results of the research effectively and ethically-correct in a coherent dissertation and present the results orally to a specialist and non-specialist audience using academic-professional discourse, including IT.
4. In-depth understanding of his/her own position in relation to major debates relating to indigenous knowledge systems and the practice thereof.
5. Analyse and evaluate outcomes of interventions, techniques, strategies, or processes in the chosen field within Indigenous Knowledge Systems as a discipline.
6. Insight in the values and principles of human rights and social justice and the ability to advance these values and principles in sustainable development.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Clear understanding of the context (including policy, legislation and global issues), appropriate concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in the chosen field of specialisation are reflected.
• Relevant concepts, methods, ethics, theories and analytical processes in problem solving situations are applied.
• Critical analyses and a degree of intellectual independence are displayed.
• Research is conducted on the basis of a range of appropriate research designs, methods, techniques and technologies for the specific research problem.
• Appropriate research themes are identified and demarcated.
• Research themes are analysed including comprehensive and critical review of current literature and investigations.
• Theoretical arguments, the research process, methodology, results, conclusions and recommendations in reports are described.
• Skills are displayed in extrapolating key findings, justifiable conclusions and making feasible recommendations in reports and presentations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Current literature and research in the chosen focus are analysed.
• Indigenous Knowledge (IKS) principles in research and practice are applied.
• Conclusions and recommendations are drawn justified by the use of appropriate evidence and arguments.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Information is processed and communicated effectively to colleagues and other groups.
• Existing and new knowledge is analysed and evaluated and a degree of intellectual independence is displayed.
• Information is communicated and appropriately convey to specific target groups both in writing and orally.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Specific debates based on a sound integration of relevant theory, practice, research and a degree of independent, creative thinking is articulated.
• Information from own perspectives is analysed and synthesised in written and oral formats.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Outcomes are analysed in accordance with the identified needs and issues within the chosen focus area.
• Evaluations are use purposefully as the basis for planning, implementation and recommendations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• IKS values are integrated with human rights principles and social justice in discussions of the chosen focus field of IKS.
• Coherent understanding of the application of IKS values, human rights principles and social justice in the chosen focus field of IKS is reflected.
• Critical understanding of the ethical principles guiding IKS practice in the chosen field of IKS exhibited.
• Publications, presentations and patents are used to communicate to different stakeholders.
• Participate and contribute scholarship in different forums such as conferences, workshops, and policy forums etc. where IKS perspectives are relevant.
• IKS in the knowledge economy valorised.

Integrated Assessment

The following assessment strategies are used to ensure that exit level outcomes are achieved

• Written progress reports submitted by the learner and supervisor(s) every quarter during the study period. These reports will be analysed by the qualification coordinator and feedback on the progress will be sent to the Directorate of Postgraduate Studies in the Faculty.
• The learner will make an oral presentation to the faculty once a semester to highlight progress and problems in the presence of assessors who will be able to assess the knowledge, skills, attitude and values gained by the candidate and provide relevant guidance.
• The required research dissertation is an integrated culmination of all the research-related outcomes of this qualification. The assessment of the dissertation will test both the theoretical and practical components of the study and assessment tools currently being used by the campus higher degrees committee will be utilised. This is to ensure that the standards expected for the qualification are achieved and that the assessment is open, transparent, fair and valid. Examination of the dissertation is finally done by at least two examiners of which one is external, all experts in the field of specialisation. A supervisor may not be appointed as an examiner.